Method for producing benzazoloquinolium (BQs) salts, using the composition as cellular markers, and using the biological activity of the composition

ABSTRACT

A synthesis procedure for benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salts and the inclusion of chloro-substituent, amino-substituent, and nitro-substituent resulting in several compounds wherein said procedures provides an increment in the compounds biological activity. The compounds are further used for intra cellular binding, cytotoxicity on malignant cells through apoptosis activation mediated by mitochondrial damage, cellular organelles binding and damage, DNA fragmentation, marker of bacterial growth, antibacterial activity, cell cycle disruption, and a marker due to the auto-fluorescent properties.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/416,174, filed Apr. 1, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,124,770 and further claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application 61/549,209, filed on Oct. 19, 2011.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the synthesis, fluorescent properties, and biological activity of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts (BQs), more particularly, to a synthesis procedure for producing chloro-substituted (CBQs), amino-substituted (ABQs), and nitro-substituted (NBQs) benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salts that exhibit distinctive biological activity and fluorescent properties.

2. Discussion of the Background

The scientific community continuously needs to apply cellular markers when studying how cells or subjects respond or behave to a given internal or external stimulus. Some of these stimuli include, but are not limited to, drug treatments, therapies and natural disease processes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,275 to Cox et al. (Cox '275), discloses the preparation of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salts (BQs) which show cytotoxic, antitumor and antiviral activity. However Cox '275 fails to disclose the synthesis of amino-substituted (ABQs) and chloro-substituted (CBQs) benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium compounds, wherein said ABQs and CBQs possess fluorescent properties applicable in the identification of cellular organelles and biological activities applicable for therapeutic applications. The fluorescent property assists the user to identify cellular organelles making the compounds excellent markers for research, diagnostic or treatment. Some of the biological activities include, but are not limited to, cellular toxicity, mitochondria damage and apoptosis induction on tumor cell lines in culture.

Also Cox '275 discloses different methods for the synthesis of several compounds; however the disclosed methods do not limit the excitation by irradiation of the compounds in order to avoid unwanted reactions resulting in unwanted characteristics and properties. Further in Cox '275 the BQs were isolated as the perchlorate salt through its precipitation by addition of an aqueous perchloric acid or a saturated sodium perchlorate solution avoiding isolating the pure BQs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the synthesized benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salts as presented by Cox '275 et al. and discloses a synthesis procedure that modifies the biological activity and greater selectivity toward tumor cells providing the autofluoresce in cell cultures, inducing cytotoxity through apoptosis, binding to cellular organelles and caspases activation on human tumor (abnormal) or normal cells in culture. The term “modify”, or its derivations, as used throughout this specification and the claims when in reference to biological activity, is defined as follows: to make the form, nature, content, or future course of the biological activity different from what the biological activity is or from what the biological activity would have been if not exposed to the referenced compound.

First, the present invention discloses several compounds, such as amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium showing (1) DNA fragmentation; (2) cell cycle disruption; (3) cellular toxicity; and (4) generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Also the compound has shown auto-fluorescent properties in contact with cells. These fluorescent properties allow a clear indication of the interaction with cellular organelles serving as a fluorescence marker in research or as a therapeutic marker or a diagnostic marker in clinical studies. It could be applied to monitor the presence and concentrations of microorganisms in the environment since they also possess cellular organelles to which these fluorescent compounds can bind. Further the ABQs display increased selectivity against cancer cells as compared to NBQs.

Second, the present invention discloses the synthesis of chloro-substituted and amino-substituted benzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts causing cell death via an apoptosis mechanism, interaction with macro organelles such as mitochondria and DNA, activation of caspases 3 and 7, and the formation of 8-2-dG adducts upon bioreduction in the presence of XO/HX.

Third the present invention discloses an improved procedure for the synthesis of benzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts (BQs).

Therefore one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a compound showing DNA fragmentation, cell cycle disruption, cellular toxicity, generation of reactive oxygen species, and auto fluorescence.

Another object of the invention is to provide a synthesized nitro-substituted, amino-substituted, and chloro-substituted benzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts (BQs) causing cell death via an apoptosis mechanism, interaction with macro organelles such as mitochondria and DNA, activation of caspases 3 and 7, and the formation of 8-2-dG adducts upon bioreduction in the presence of XO/HX.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a synthesized nitro-substituted amino-substituted, and chloro-substituted benzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts that allows the identification of tumor cells.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a new improved method for the synthesis of BQs which is more compatible with the biological systems.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a synthesis method of BQs that avoids unwanted reactions.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a synthesis method of BQs that improves performance of the compounds.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a compound suitable as an anti-cancer therapeutic agent, bacterial marker, and antibacterial.

The invention itself, both as to its configuration and its mode of operation will be best understood, and additional objects and advantages thereof will become apparent, by the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

The Applicant hereby asserts, that the disclosure of the present application may include more than one invention, and, in the event that there is more than one invention, that these inventions may be patentable and non-obvious one with respect to the other.

Further, the purpose of the accompanying abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, constitute part of the specifications and illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 Shows the structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 Shows list of developed ABQs.

FIG. 3 Shows fluorescence characterization of representative ABQ48.

FIG. 4 Fluorescence data of CBQs in water solution.

FIG. 5 Shows list of developed fluorescent chloro-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts.

FIG. 6 Average IC₅₀ Doses of ABQ48.

FIG. 7 48 Hour dose—response curve for ABQ48 on Tk6, Toledo, and A431 cell lines.

FIG. 8 Fluorescence uptake of ABQ48 by Tk6 as a function of time (0 to 18 hours).

FIG. 9 Fluorescence uptake of ABQ48 by Toledo as a function of time (0 to 18 hours).

FIG. 10 Fluorescence uptake of ABQ48 by A431 as a function of time (0 to 18 hours).

FIG. 11 DNA Fragmentation analysis of Toledo and TK6 cells treated with ABQ48 and NBQ48 for 48 hours.

FIG. 12 Cell cycle disruption analysis of Toledo cells treated with ABQ48 and NBQ48 for 48 hours.

FIG. 13 through FIG. 14 represent ABQs Drug-likeness analysis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a general structure of the synthesized NBQs and ABQs. The present invention is particularly directed to the synthesis and biological activity of ABQs as shown in FIG. 2. The synthetic sequence is disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 12/416,174, included here by reference.

The particular methodology or method comprises several measurements and apparatus used in order to perform the synthesis of the compounds. The BQs, NBQs and ABQs, were synthesized using several methods as disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 12/416,174 herein included by reference.

The synthesis of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chlorides are performed using at least four different methods, as disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 12/416,174 herein included by reference.

Further a green procedure for the synthesis of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts (Method 5) was developed. The photochemical cyclization and work-up procedure for the synthesis of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts was described in the first application Ser. No. 12/416,174 as Methods 1, 2, 3, or 4. New Method 5 is partially similar as described before, except that the corresponding (E)-2-(2-chlorostyryl)benzazole was dissolved in 150-250 mL of a 2:2:1 heptane (or octane):dioxane:bromobenzene mixture. The elimination of benzene as a solvent constitutes an environmentally friendlier or green chemical procedure. The following is a representative example of the use of Method 5.

Representative Example to Validate the Modified Method

7-benzyl-3-nitrobenzimidazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (NBQ-48). Photochemically induced cyclization of (E)-7-benzyl-2-(2-chloro-3-nitrostyryl)benzimidazole as described in Method 5 produced the title compound, in 70% yield, identical in all respects to that of a sample obtained using Method 1 of patent application Ser. No. 12/416,174.

Experimental Procedures, Physical Properties, and Chemical Characterization of New ABQs.

1. 7-Benzyl-3-aminobenzimidazo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (ABQ-48). (E)-7-benzyl-2-(2-chloro-3-aminostyryl)benzimidazole was photocyclized using the new procedure described in to give the title compound as a bright yellow solid. UV-vis (PBS 7.4 Buffer) λmax/nm (ε M⁻¹ cm⁻¹): 259 (2.94×10⁴), 330 (1.29×10⁴), 342 (1.18×10⁴), 371 (4.54×10³). ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz) δ 9.04 (d, J=8.40 Hz, 1H), 8.87 (d, J=9.60 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (d, J=9.60 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (d, J=9.60 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=7.60 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (t, J=7.70 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (t, J=7.60 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (dd, J=9.20, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (m, 5H), 7.24 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 6.08 (2H), 6.03 (2H). HRMS (EST): m/z Calcd. for C₂₂H₁₈N₃ (without the chloride counter ion) 324.14952. Found: 324.14812 (Δ −4.33 ppm).

2. 10-Methyl-3-aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (ABQ-91). (E)-5-methyl-2-(2-chloro-5-aminostyryl)benzothiazole was photocyclized using the new procedure to produce the title compound as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz) δ 9.13 (d, J=9.60 Hz, 1H), 8.99 (s, 1H), 8.63 (d, J=9.20 Hz), 8.55 (d, J=9.20 Hz), 8.46 (d, J=8.40), 7.75 (d, J=8.9 Hz), 7.52 (d, 8.0H, 1H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 2.70 (s, 3H). HRMS (ESI): m/z Calcd. for C₁₆H₁₃N₂S (without the chloride counter ion) 265.07940. Found: 265.07838 (Δ −3.84 ppm). UV-vis

3. 3-Aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (ABQ-2). (E)-(2-chloro-5-aminostyryl)benzothiazole was photocyclized using the new procedure to produce the title compound as a yellow solid. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz) δ 9.20 (d, J=8.00 JH, 1H), 9.08 (d, J=9.69 Hz, 1H), 8.67 (d, J=8.80 Hz, 1H), 8.61 (m, 2H), 7.90 (m, 2H), 7.53 (d, J=9.60, 1H), 7.30 (d, J=2 Hz, 1H). HRMS (ESI): m/z Calcd. for C₁₅H₁₁N₂S (without the chloride counter ion) 251.06375. Found: 251.06279 (Δ −3.91 ppm).

4. 9-Methoxy-3-aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (ABQ-25). (E)-6-methoxy-(2-chloro-5-aminostyryl)benzothiazole was photocyclized to give the title compound as a yellow solid. HRMS (ESI): m/z Calcd. for C₁₆H₁₃N₂OS (without the chloride counter ion) 281.07410. Found: 281.07431 (Δ −0.75 ppm).

5. Other ABQS are:

-   a. 7-Benzyl-3-aminobenzimidazo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (ABQ-48); -   b. 3-Aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (ABQ-2); -   c. 9-Methoxy-3-aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (25); -   d. 10-Methyl-3-aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-91); -   e. 10-Methoxy-3-aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-97); -   f. 7-(Methyl)-3-aminobenzimidazo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-47); -   g. 7-(Isopropyl)-3-aminobenzimidazo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-49); -   h. 7-(1-Butyl)-3-aminobenzimidazo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-50); -   i. 7-[(E)-1-Propenyl)]-3-aminobenzimidazo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-59); -   j. 7-Cyclopentyl-3-aminobenzimidazo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-60); -   k. 3-Aminonaphtho[1′,2′:4,5]benzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-74); -   l. 10-Methoxy-4-chloro-3-aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium     chloride (ABQ-121); -   m. 9-Methoxy-2-aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-122); -   n. 8,9-Dimetoxy-3-aminobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride     (ABQ-84).

Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorescent Chloro-Substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium Chloride Salts (CBQs).

6. 4-Chlorobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (CBQ-76). Method 1. Following the procedure for synthesis of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chlorides described in patent application Ser. No. 12/416,174, (E)-2-(2,6-dichlorostyryl)benzothiazole (0.6 g, 1.96 mmol) was photocyclized to afford 0.30 g (50%) of CBQ-76 as a yellow solid: mp 238° C. (dec.); ¹H NMR (500.13 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): δ ppm 9.35 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 9.25 (d, 1H, J=8.5 Hz), 9.15 (1H, d, J=9.8 Hz), 8.99 (1H, d, J=9.4 Hz), 8.72 (1H, dd, J=7.9, 1.4 Hz), 8.25 (1H, dd, J=7.5, 0.7 Hz), 8.20 (1H, t, J=8.3 Hz), 8.00 (2H, m); ¹³C NMR (125.77 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): δ ppm 160.35, 138.97, 137.88, 135.52, 133.83, 133.22, 129.96, 129.63, 129.53, 129.27, 125.57, 124.90, 120.99, 120.52, 118.85; UV-vis (EtOH, 95%), λ_(max)/nm (ε): 380 (10444), 364 (10905), 259 (16538), 225 sh (12273) and 201 (23193); Anal. calcd for C₁₅H₉NSCl₂.2.5H₂O: C, 51.47; H, 4.03; N, 4.00%. Found C, 50.98; H, 3.54; N, 4.34%.

7. 3,4-Dichlorobenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (CBQ-82). Method 1. Following the procedure for synthesis of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chlorides described in patent application Ser. No. 12/416,174, (E)-2-(2,3,6-trichlorostyryl)benzothiazole (1p) (0.26 g 0.66 mmol) was photocyclized to afford 0.114 g (44%) of CBQ-82 as a yellow solid: mp 250-260° C. (dec.); ¹H NMR (300.15 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): δ ppm 9.36 and 8.38 (AB, 2H, J=9.6 Hz), 9.21 (dd, 1H, J=9.9, 1.2 Hz), 9.18 and 9.06 (AB, 2H, J=9.6 Hz), 8.74 (dd, 1H, J=7.8, 1.8 Hz), 8.03 (m, 2H); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): 160.1, 138.8, 136.4, 135.5, 133.6, 132.6, 131.0, 130.0, 129.6, 129.4, 126.4, 125.6, 122.0, 120.4, 120.0; UV-vis (95% EtOH) λ_(max)/nm (c) 382 (7402), 366 (8676), 263 (17038), 237 sh (10992) and 201 (22618); Anal. calcd for C₁₅H₈NSCl₃.2H₂O: C, 44.23; H, 2.97; N, 3.44%. Found C, 43.89; H, 2.68; N, 3.32%.

8. 10-Methylbenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (CBQ-106). Method 3. Following the procedure for synthesis of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chlorides described in patent application Ser. No. 12/416,174, (E)-5-methyl-2-(2-chlorostyryl)benzothiazole (1b) (0.65 g, 2.27 mmol) was photocyclized under argon atmosphere to afford 0.35 g (54%) of CBQ-106 as an off-white solid: mp>200° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (300.15 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): δ ppm 9.43 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 9.09 (s, 1H), 8.94 and 8.81 (AB, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 8.53 (d, 1H, J=8.1 Hz), 8.51 (dd, 1H, J=8.6, 1.5 Hz), 8.24 (td, 1H, J=8.1, 1.7 Hz), 8.06 (t, 1H, J=7.7 Hz), 7.81 (d, 1H, J=8.7 Hz), 2.72 (s, 3H, —CH₃); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): δ ppm 159.7, 140.1, 139.8, 139.2, 136.7, 133.7, 130.9, 130.4, 129.0, 127.1, 126.6, 124.8, 119.9, 119.4, 119.3, 21.5; UV-vis (H₂O) λ_(max)/nm (ε): 379 (11622), 365 (11842), 348 sh (8755), 253 (18598), 231 sh (17118) and 223 (17816).

9. 4-Chloro-10-methylbenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (CBQ-108). Method 3. Following the procedure for synthesis of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chlorides described in patent application Ser. No. 12/416,174, (E)-4-methyl-2-(2,6-dichlorostyryl)benzothiazole (1r) (0.57 g, 1.75 mmol) was photocyclized under argon atmosphere and to afford 0.37 g (65%) of CBQ-108 as a yellow solid: mp 250° C. (dec); ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): δ ppm 9.40 (d, 1H, J=8.6 Hz), 9.11 and 8.95 (2H, AB, J=9.4 Hz), 9.04 (1H, s), 8.57 (1H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 8.24 (1H, d, J=7.4 Hz), 8.19 (1H, t, J=8.5 Hz), 7.83 (1H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 2.71 (3H, s, —CH₃); ¹³C NMR (125.77 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): δ ppm 160.33, 140.36, 139.29, 137.85, 135.13, 133.73, 133.11, 130.66, 129.57, 127.05, 124.99, 124.87, 121.02, 120.03, 119.02, 21.50; Anal. calcd for C₁₆H₁₁NSCl₂.1.5H₂O: C, 55.54; H, 4.08; N, 4.05%. Found C, 55.80; H, 3.53; N, 4.36%.

10. 4-Chloro-9-methoxybenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (CBQ-113). Method 3. Following the procedure for synthesis of benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chlorides described in patent application Ser. No. 12/416,174, (E)-6-methoxy-2-(2,6-dichlorostyryl)benzothiazole (1q) (0.18 g, 0.54 mmol) was photocyclized to afford 0.12 g (67%) of CBQ-113 as a yellow solid: mp 250-260° C. (dec.); ¹H NMR (300.15 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): δ ppm 9.28 (d, 1H, J=8.4 Hz), 9.14 (d, 1H, J=9.9 Hz), 9.08 and 8.99 (AB, 2H, J=9.3 Hz), 8.30 (d, 1H, J=2.7 Hz), 8.20 (m, 2H), 7.55 (dd, 1H, J=9.6, 2.7 Hz), 3.99 (3H, s, —OCH₃); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-_(d6)): δ ppm 159.33, 158.78, 137.44, 134.31, 133.64, 133.09, 132.90, 132.30, 129.52, 124.88, 121.50, 120.87, 118.58, 118.20, 107.55, 56.34; Anal. calcd for C₁₆H₁₁Cl₂NOS.1.5H₂O: C, 53.08; H, 3.90; N, 3.87%. Found C, 53.47; H, 3.93; N, 3.75%.

The inclusion of the chloro-substituents, amino-substituents, and nitro-substituents in ring A to the synthesis of (E)-2-styrlbenzazole and benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chlorides (BQs) results in ABQs and NBQs providing several properties, more particularly exhibiting an increment in the biological activity. For example FIG. 3 provides the characterization of the representative the ABQ48.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the fluorescent chloro-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts. This new series of halogen substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium salts; without nitro or amino substituents display relatively high fluorescence intensity in aqueous solution (see FIG. 4) thus making them potentially useful cellular markers similar to ABQs. For example 4-chloro-10-methylbenzothiazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride (GHQ-108) displays good florescence intensity and cytotoxicity activity against A-431 cell line (IC₅₀ 3.7 μM).

Further FIG. 6 to FIG. 12 discloses the biological activity of ABQ48. The biological activities identified are:

Bioactivity 1: Cellular Toxicity of ABQ48 on A431, Toledo, and Tk6 Cell Lines.

The presented data summarize the performed assays aimed to determine the cellular toxicity effects of ABQ 48, an amino substituted alkaloid with fluorescent properties in mammalian cell lines in culture: A431 (epitheloid carcinoma cells), Toledo (lymphoma cells), both abnormal cells, and Tk6 (normal lymphoblasts). The evaluated biological activities with ABQ48 included: cell viability (IC₅₀), mitochondrial membrane potential; DNA fragmentation and change in the cell cycle on one or more of the above mentioned cell lines.

Materials and Methods

Cell cultures—The three cell lines A431 epitheloid carcinoma cells (ATCC CRL-1555), the human TK-6 lymphoblasts cells (ATCC CRL-8015) and Toledo lymphoma (CRL-2631 respectively) were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas, Va.) and cultured on RPMI 1640 (ATCC) cell culture media with 10% fetal bovine serum (ATCC). Cell cultures were maintained in a cell culture incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO₂.

Reagents—Characterizations and purity confirmation of the experimental compounds were determined with Waters, Electrospray Mass Spectrometer (ESI-MS) Quattro Micro mass spectrometer (Milford, Mass.). ABQ 48 Stock Solution of 3 mM was prepared using mass spectrometry grade water (Sigma, St. Louis Mo.) under sterile conditions The ESI-MS conditions used were as follow: drying gas, N₂; flow rate, 200 L/h; capillary voltage, 3.0 kV; cone voltage, 16 V; extractor, 25 V; source temperature, 120° C.; and desolvation temperature, 100° C.

Methods—Cultures were exposed for 48 hours to ABQ 48 at doses from 10 μM to 180 μM. Cells were harvested counted and assessed for cell viability implementing the Trypan Blue exclusion method using the Countess™ automated cell counter (Invitrogen Corp. Carlsbad, Calif.). The percentage of viable cells was calculated and graphed using Excel (Microsoft Corp. Redmond, Wash.). The mitochondrial membrane permeability assays was determined applying the Nucleocounter 3000, JC-1 assay. DNA fragmentation and cell cycle alterations were analyzed also through the Nucleocounter 3000 instrument.

Results and Discussion

Reduction in the cell viability of the three cell lines after 24 and 48 hours treatments was observed. Higher susceptibility was observed by Tk6 lymphoblasts with an average IC₅₀ of 8.6 μM in contrast to Toledo cells with an IC₅₀ of 50 μM which were the least susceptible cultures to the drug. The IC₅₀ of the A431 (epitheloid carcinoma) cells was 23 μM (FIG. 6) which is comparable to other previously studied BQs compounds of this family (Vivas—Mejia, 1998; Arroyo and Zayas, 2007; unpublished data). FIG. 1 presents the comparative dose response curve and IC₅₀ for ABQ 48 in the three cell lines. Mitochondrial membrane permeability, DNA fragmentation and cell cycle alteration was also observed in the three cell lines.

Bioactivity 2: Time dependent uptake and retention of ABQ48 on cells up to 24 hours

This assay aims to determine the uptake and retention of the fluorescence ABQ48 on three cell lines as a function of time. The cell lines used were A431 epitheloid carcinoma, Toledo lymphoma and Tk6 normal lymphoblast.

Materials and Methods

Cell cultures—The three cell lines A431 epitheloid carcinoma cells (ATCC CRL-1555), the human TK-6 lymphoblasts cells (ATCC CRL-8015) and Toledo lymphoma (CRL-2631 respectively) were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC, Manassas, Va.) and cultured on RPMI 1640 (ATCC) cell culture media with 10% fetal bovine serum (ATCC). Cell cultures were maintained in a cell culture incubator at 37° C. and 5% CO2.

Reagents—Characterization and purity determination of the experimental compound was determined with a Waters, Quattro Micro mass spectrometer (Milford, Mass.). ABQ 48 (FIG. 9) Stock Solution of 3 mM was prepared using mass spectrometry grade water (Sigma, St. Louis Mo.) under sterile conditions. The ESI-MS conditions used were as follow: drying gas, N₂; flow rate, 200 L/h; capillary voltage, 3.0 kV; cone voltage, 16 V; extractor, 25 V; source temperature, 120° C.; and desolvation temperature, 100° C.

Methods—A431 epitheloid carcinoma, Toledo lymphoma and Tk6 normal lymphoblast cultures were exposed to ABQ 48 and incubated at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ for 0, 1, 4 and 18, hours at their IC₉₀ dose (90 μM, 100 μM, and 135 μM respectively). A non-exposed negative control (analytical grade water) for each determined time point was also included. Cells were then washed twice with PBS (Sigma, St. Louis Mo.) and their fluorescence in standard units (FSU) measured using a Modulus fluorometer (Promega, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Triplicate measures were obtained from each sample. Values were then averaged and background corrected using the negative control values. A one way ANOVA with fixed effects was performed; in case significant differences were found in ANOVA, a Post Hoc Test Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) was also performed using SPSS software (IBM, Armonk, N.Y.).

Results and Discussion

The time dependent drug uptake assay clearly demonstrated an increment in the fluorescent emission of cells from three different cell lines (A931, Toledo, and TK6) when treated with ABQ48 for 0 hour, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 18 hours indicating the uptake and retention of A98 in the cells. Results were measured in Fluorescence Standard Units (FSU) versus time of exposure (FIG. 8-10).

Bioactivity 3. DNA fragmentation—Fragmentation of DNA as a marker for apoptosis is a commonly used assay. Analysis was performed applying the Nucleo counter NC3000 DNA fragmentation assay. Determination of the degree of DNA fragmentation is based on the retention of DAPI, a nucleic acid staining reagent. As described previously TK-6, and Toledo cells were kept in culture at the specified conditions. Cells where then treated with the tested compounds as previously described for 48 hours, after which nutritional media removed, cells harvested, fixed with 70% ethanol, incubated and stained with 1 μg/ml DAPI according to manufacturer's specifications for image analysis measuring DAPI intensity.

Results and Discussion

As presented in FIG. 11 cells treated with ABQ48 and NBQ48 presented DNA fragmentation at different levels depending on the cell type, but higher than the negative control population.

Bioactivity 4. Cell Cycle disruption—Cell cycle effects are of great importance to the characterization of any novel therapeutic agent. This most fundamental cellular process is integral in determining the effects of any drug upon the target cells. After treatment with the tested BQs at previously described conditions, cells were harvested, and stained with 10 μg/ml DAPI (a DNA marker) according to manufacturer's specifications and analyzed with the instrument using image analysis to measure the DAPI intensity as an indicator of the DNA density.

Results and Discussion

As presented in FIG. 12 the tested ABQ48 induces changes in the cell cycle of the treated cells in comparison with the negative control (none treated cells). Most cells treated with ABQ 48 are arrested at the S/G2 stage in contrast with the control population where cells are distributed among the cells cycle stages.

The biological activities such as generation of DNA fragmentation and cell cycle disruption observed in cells treated with ABQ48 as discussed in Bioactivity 3 and Bioactivity 4 have been observed at different degrees with ABQ 95, ABQ 38, NBQ 95 and NBQ38 on the A431 and TK6 cell lines. The applied method is as reported above:

DNA fragmentation—Analysis was performed applying the Nucleo counter NC3000 DNA fragmentation assay. Determination of the degree of DNA fragmentation is based on the retention of DAPI, a nucleic acid staining reagent. Prior to treatment with the tested compounds A431 and TK-6 cells were kept in culture at the specified conditions. Cells where then treated with the tested compounds at the respective IC₅₀ concentrations (between 25 and 300 μM). DNA fragmentation protocol was as recommended by Nucleo counter NC3000 manufacturer.

Results and Discussion

The tested compounds presented little DNA fragmentation in the tested cell lines. Over all in tumor cells, such as A431, BQs 95 induced fragmentation at levels close or similar to the negative control in contrast to BQs 38. In TK6 low DNA fragmentation was observed as well.

Cell Cycle disruption—Cell cycle effects are of great importance to the characterization of any novel therapeutic agent. After treatment with the tested BQS 95 and BQS 38 at previously described conditions, cells were harvested, and stained with 10 μg/ml DAPI (a DNA marker) according to manufacturer's specifications and analyzed with the instrument using image analysis to measure the DAPI intensity as an indicator of the DNA density.

Results and Discussion

Changes in the cell cycle of A431 and TK6 where observed at a higher level with the NBQ 38 than with NBQ 95 with little to none cell cycle effects of the treated cells in comparison with the negative control (none treated cells). Most cells treated with ABQ 48 are arrested at the S/G2 stage in contrast with the control population where cells are distributed among the cells cycle stages.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)—An increase in the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can indicate an apoptotic event involving damage to mitochondria. For determination ROS generation the fluorescent dye 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) was applied a standard protocol based on Park and Park 2007. In this experiment A431 and TK6 cells where treated with ABQ38, ABQ95, NBQ 38 and NBQ 95 at their respective IC₅₀.

Results and Discussion

A clear and strong induction of the generation of ROS was observed in A431 treated with ABQ38, ABQ95, NBQ 38 and NBQ 95. In TK6 however, the generation of ROS was close to the level observed in the negative control.

Marker of bacterial growth and antibacterial—The biological activities of the BQs, for example ABQ 48 is further used as a marker of bacterial growth and antibacterial. The fluorescent properties of ABQ 48 an unnatural amino substituted alkaloid with fluorescent properties where applied upon bacterial cells. Two bacterial cell lines Escherichia coli (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) were maintained at logarithmic growth in nutrient broth media at 37° C. (NB) and were exposed to 150 μM dose of ABQ 48 for periods of 2, 4 and 6 hours. Cells were washed twice with PBS (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) at 2500 rpm and resuspended in 500 μL. Fluorescence in standard units (FSU) was measured using a Modulus fluorometer (Promega, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Three measurements were obtained from each sample. Values were then averaged and background corrected using the negative control values. Results indicate that Gram negative cells fluoresce faster than gram negative. After a 2 hour exposure Gram negative stained as observed by an increase in the fluorescence in standard units (FSU) in contrast to Gram positive cells which fluoresce after a 4 hour exposure.

Use of ABQs as antibacterial is based on a standard Kirby-Bauer antimicrobial susceptibility test where the growth inhibition of a known bacterial colony in the presence of the ABQS is measured.

BQs drug-likeness analysis—FIGS. 13 and 14 include the drug-likeness and Mol Log P of ABQ-2, 38, 48, 91 and 95 and other compounds. ABQ-95 displays the highest drug-likeness (0.43) among those already reported in Ser. No. 12/416,174. Log P is the Log of the partition of the compound between an organic phase (e.g. octanol) and an aqueous phase (e.g. buffer) at a pH. BQs are lipophilic cations, and a correlation has been suggested between Log P and the preference of this type of compounds to interact with the mitochondria. Therefore, it is of interest to correlate mitochondrial permeabilization, one of the bioactivities we have determined for ABQs, and Mol Log P. Results shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 serves as a guide to design and synthesize compounds with increased drug-likeness and their Mol Log P.

The invention is not limited to the precise configuration described above. While the invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention after considering this specification together with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by this invention as defined in the following claims and their legal equivalents. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if any, are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

All of the patents, patent applications, and publications recited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. All, or substantially all, the components disclosed in such patents may be used in the embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof. The details in the patents, patent applications, and publications incorporated by reference herein may be considered to be incorporable at applicant's option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patently distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art. 

We claim:
 1. A method of treating a cancer cell selected from the group consisting of epitheloid carcinoma and lymphoma in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal, a therapeutically effective amount of an amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salts compound of formula

wherein R₁ is 3NH₂, R₂ is selected from a group consisting of H, 10-Me, 9-OMe, 8,9-C₄H₄, 10-OMe, 8,9-di-OMe, 10-OMe and 9-OMe; wherein X is NCH₂C₆H₅.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected concentration of the amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salt is within the range bounded by the IC₂₅ and the IC₉₀ of said cancer cell.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the concentration of the amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salt is the IC₅₀ of said cancer cell.
 4. A method of marking a bacterial cell selected from the group consisting of escherichia coli line cells and staphylococcus aureus line cells in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal an amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salts compound of formula:

wherein R₁ is 3NH₂, R₂ is selected from a group consisting of H, 10-Me, 9-OMe, 8,9-C₄H₄, 10-OMe, 8,9-di-OMe, 10-OMe, 9-OMe, and X is NCH₂C₆H₅ to mark cells comprising: said amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salt and at least one bacterial cell; wherein said bacterial cell is selected from the group consisting of escherichia coli line cells and staphylococcus aureus line cells; wherein said bacterial cell is exposed to a concentration of amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a] quinolinium chloride salt to mark said bacterial cell.
 5. A method of marking cancer cells selected from the group consisting of epitheloid carcinoma cells and lymphoma cells in a mammal comprising administering to said mammal an amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salts compound of formula;

wherein R₁ is 3NH₂, R₂ is selected from a group consisting of H, 10-Me, 9-OMe, 8,9-C₄H₄, 10-OMe, 8,9-di-OMe, 10-OMe and 9-OMe; wherein X is NCH₂C₆H₅.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein said mark is a stained cancer cell.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said stained cancer cell induces distinctive fluorescence.
 8. The method of claim 5 wherein the concentration of the amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salt is within the range bounded by the IC₂₅ and the IC₉₀ of said cancer cell.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the concentration of the amino-substituted benzazolo[3,2-a]quinolinium chloride salt is the IC₉₀ of said cancer cell. 